The much-anticipated launch of the 2020 Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA) took place yesterday {Wednesday, 4 September} during Offshore Europe, with newly announced categories ‘Energy Transition for Future Generations' and ‘Internationalisation' added to this year's line-up.

The 34thannual awards, supported by principal sponsor TAQA, will once again commemorate all that is great about the offshore oil and gas and renewables industries, celebrating business growth and success, highlighting individual achievement and rewarding revolutionary technologies.

New category ‘Energy Transition for Future Generations' has been introduced this year as a result of the UK Government's target to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and the Scottish Government's ambition to reach the same target by 2045. The award will recognise the progress already being made by industry technology developers, service providers and operators.

Meanwhile the ‘Internationalisation' accolade replaces ‘Export Achievement', a change which means as well as those exporting products and services, companies who are increasing their physical global footprint and making inroads to new regions are also now eligible.

Ian Phillips, chair of the Offshore Achievement Awards organising committee said: “The challenges presented to our industry over the last few years have been countless and tough. However, the need to think differently, and operate more efficiently, has unlocked new ideas and thinking which until recently were unimaginable.

“We are seeing more and more of these ideas and technologies entered into the OAAs, and it gives me great confidence in the future when I see the remarkable creativity and ingenuity of our industry.

“I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the entries for our new Energy Transition category. This year's Offshore Europe has been awash with discussion around our low carbon future, and how we plan to achieve this, so I hope this momentum drives through to the awards.”

The OAAs remain a not-for-profit event, with any surplus generated from sponsorship and table sales directly invested back into events and initiatives organised by SPE Aberdeen to promote STEM subjects and support future generations. Activities supported by the SPE Aberdeen Section include student bursaries, CV workshops, TechFest and NASA in Aberdeen.

Supporting this strong focus on promoting STEM subjects and sharing SPE's enthusiasm to uncover the offshore industry's highlights from the last 12 months is principal sponsor TAQA.

Asset Manager at TAQA and member of the OAAs organising committee, Stuart McIntosh said: “TAQA is proud to have supported the OAAs since its relaunch by SPE Aberdeen in 2011. The ongoing success of these awards and the importance of them in highlighting and celebrating outstanding work, is key to why we continue to support the OAAs.

“The oil and gas and renewables industries both play a huge part in the energy transition and I am particularly looking forward to hearing how companies are tackling this, as we continue to ensure the future of our industry and provide great opportunities for the next generation.”

Chairman of organisers SPE Aberdeen, Kenny McAllister, added: “Year after year the OAAs become bigger and better which is testament to all that is happening within our industry. Our judges are presented with an enviable yet challenging task, being asked to evaluate the success stories of the sector and ultimately selecting who comes out on top.

“We urge any companies or individuals who have an exceptional tale to tell to enter the awards and be recognised for their efforts.”

The full list of award categories for 2020 are:

Emerging Technology

Innovator

HSE Innovation

Internationalisation

Energy Transition for Future Generations

Outstanding Skills Development

Great Company (SME)

Great Company (Large)

Young Professional

Significant Contribution

Entries are now open until Friday 8 November, with finalists announced in January 2020. Entries are open to all UK-registered companies within the oil & gas and renewables sectors – categories, criteria and application forms are available at www.spe-oaa.org. Winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on 19 March at the P&J Live.

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